{"id":65620,"date":"2024-01-17T07:00:43","date_gmt":"2024-01-17T12:00:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/?p=65620"},"modified":"2024-01-16T19:20:40","modified_gmt":"2024-01-17T00:20:40","slug":"takeaways-from-cubs-con-2024","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2024\/01\/17\/takeaways-from-cubs-con-2024\/","title":{"rendered":"Major Takeaways from Cubs Con 2024"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Cubs’ annual offseason convention took place over the weekend and there were many takeaways from Cubs Con 2024. This past weekend marked the first major organizational outing in which new manager Craig Counsell<\/a> appeared in front of Cubs fans. There was plenty to like about what the new skipper said, with much optimism on the forefront for the spring. While there was a decent amount of substance provided by multiple figures throughout the club, these were some of the takeaways that drew intrigue from fans everywhere.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Takeaways from Cubs Con 2024<\/h2>\n

Players Advocating for Bellinger<\/h3>\n

There is nothing new to the Cubs organization in terms of hearing outside noise regarding Cody Bellinger<\/a> this offseason. The slugger revived his career on a one-year deal in 2023, and anyone who supports the Cubs wants to see him return<\/a>. While this isn\u2019t an outlandish take to have, what’s intriguing is the fact that multiple players, including Dansby Swanson<\/a>, are pushing hard for management to make a move on Belli.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Dansby Swanson at #CubsCon<\/a>:<\/p>\n

“Before we get to next year, we have to re-sign Belli.”<\/p>\n

(\ud83d\udcf8: @WatchMarquee<\/a>) pic.twitter.com\/UcTKeOe6SD<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Cubs Zone (@CubsZone) January 13, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

It has come to the surface that the locker room appreciated Belli\u2019s presence this past season. His success on the field was a fantastic bonus, but he was great for this organization both on and off the field.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Having a handful of players find ways to sneak in comments regarding Bellinger was something most fans were not expecting. It\u2019s not like they were required to do so, and the fact that they did speaks volumes to how badly they want Bellinger back in Wrigleyville.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Counsell Sees Morel\u2019s Value\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n

A major question mark entering the offseason was how the Cubs would use Christopher Morel<\/a> in 2024. A follow-up question could be asked on if Morel would be here this season, amid all of the trade rumors.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Counsell reassured fans at Cubs Con that Morel will be a major part of the plan to succeed in 2024. The new skipper reiterated the need to find him a home on the diamond. He is a believer that good players find themselves on the field, and Morel fits that description.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n